Cost

Aura

For a different take on WhistlerÑone that eschews the Village, with its clomping boots and Starbucks lineupsÑturn left at Creekside. Just down Lake Placid Drive is a 77-unit river-rock lodge overlooking the compact serenity of Nita Lake. Chef Michael Guy also puts his own spin on things at the lodge’s restaurant, Aura: virtually everythingÑseafood, beef, poultry, salad greensÑis locally sourced, and the menu changes seasonally. Prices are a marked step down from the big-ticket Whistler rooms the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, the service casual but gracious.